The ESA DUE Permafrost project - A service for high latitude research

Permafrost is an essential climate variable (ECV). It is a subsurface phenomenon which cannot be directly measured with remotely sensed data. However, many parameters which influence the ground thermal regime and surface indicators can be captured with satellite data. Those are e.g. land surface temperature, land cover and snow parameters, soil moisture and terrain changes. The capabilities of currently available remotely sensed datasets need to be assessed with respect to operational monitoring and their value enhanced by a synergistic use. A wide range of EO datasets have been investigated and integrated in an information system within the DUE Permafrost project with extensive involvement of the permafrost research community. This paper summarizes the achievements within the DUE Permafrost project and presents the design of the information system.